iClone 2 transforms any desktop into a complete virtual movie studio. Create 3D characters, scenes, and special effects for films inside a total 3D real-time environment. Designed for users of any skill level, iClone is equipped to break the barriers of storytelling offering simplified 3D character creation using any photos, custom face and body shapes, easy design of 3D wardrobe and real-time foliage ecosystem. Filming movies inside iClone casts users as the role of director with Timeline editing control over scene animation and exporting options to gear your movie for Mobile, HD, Web, or PC premiere.

Version 2.1 transforms any desktop into a complete virtual movie studio.

Editor's review of iClone Studio Edition

Do you want to be the next John Lasseter? Is Hayao Miyazaki your hero? Aimed at the amateur animator, iClone is a feature-heavy, template-based 3D animation studio that's a must-see app if you're trying to break into the camera side of movies and animation.

With iClone, you can jump right in after the installation. You can choose from a dozen character templates, including a Hessian sack, or start from scratch with a blank template. From there, you can make slider-based adjustments to alter skin tone and eye shape as well as camera angles, zoom depth, and lighting.

Using the app is engagingly uncomplicated. The icons at the top access the feature categories: avatar, head, animation, scene, and special effects. Choosing one changes the list of text choices below it, and clicking on one of those changes the options in the editing panel on the right-center of your screen. Given the complexity of the features, where you can alter something as subtle as hand shape or choose a motion template like dancing, the interface is a pleasure to use.

Be warned: the trial version is also weighted with restrictions. Most of the more interesting templates are available only in the paid edition, and you must register the trial. But since the trialware can save a watermarked copy of your work, there's no reason to not try iClone.